Is This A Good Thing?

[seer]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-b...3640-1854r.htm

Mich. city council approves Muslim prayers



Hamtramck, MI, Apr. 21 (UPI) -- Mosques in the city of Hamtramck, Mich., will be allowed to broadcast their Muslim calls to prayer over loudspeakers.

The issue, which has divided many of the city's 23,000 Muslim and Christian residents, was approved by city council, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

The controversy centered on noise pollution and religious freedom and tolerance.

Those opposed to the measure said they didn't want Islamic beliefs imposed upon them. The prayer, which is in Arabic, occurs five times a day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Supporters said the issue is an Islamic tradition. They cited the city's church bells, which ring at least every hour, as comparable.

Opponents vow they will defeat the ordinance, possibly taking the issue into federal court.

Masud Khan of the Al-Islah Islamic Center said it took courage to approve the plan.

"Hamtramck is going to be a pioneer city for the whole United States," he said.

[Da Lone-Warrior]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi-b...3640-1854r.htm

Mich. city council approves Muslim prayers



Hamtramck, MI, Apr. 21 (UPI) -- Mosques in the city of Hamtramck, Mich., will be allowed to broadcast their Muslim calls to prayer over loudspeakers.

The issue, which has divided many of the city's 23,000 Muslim and Christian residents, was approved by city council, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

The controversy centered on noise pollution and religious freedom and tolerance.

Those opposed to the measure said they didn't want Islamic beliefs imposed upon them. The prayer, which is in Arabic, occurs five times a day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Supporters said the issue is an Islamic tradition. They cited the city's church bells, which ring at least every hour, as comparable.

Opponents vow they will defeat the ordinance, possibly taking the issue into federal court.

Masud Khan of the Al-Islah Islamic Center said it took courage to approve the plan.

"Hamtramck is going to be a pioneer city for the whole United States," he said.

I have no problem with the prayers, so long as the decibel level is chosen wisely.

dlw

[yxboom]

Will other religions have their loudspeaker prayer time as well?

[seer]

I have no problem with the prayers, so long as the decibel level is chosen wisely.

dlw

I wonder if they would have a problem with christian prayers over loudspeakers? I bet they would...

[Da Lone-Warrior]

Will other religions have their loudspeaker prayer time as well?

Do other religions have traditions that mandate such?

We have public displays and calls for religiosity with our holiday-symbols.

If people hear us singing hymns as they pass by our churches, should they be able to ask for this to be made illegal only if we sing so quietly that noone could possibly hear us outside the church?

dlw

[seer]

Do other religions have traditions that mandate such?

We have public displays and calls for religiosity with our holiday-symbols.

If people hear us singing hymns as they pass by our churches, should they be able to ask for this to be made illegal only if we sing so quietly that noone could possibly hear us outside the church?

dlw

1. We can make it a tradition.

2. So singing in the church is the same as broadcasting over loudspeakers through the whole town?

[Da Lone-Warrior]

1. We can make it a tradition.

2. So singing in the church is the same as broadcasting over loudspeakers through the whole town?

They have more right to do it if it does reflect a long-standing tradition.

And I didn't say they should be able to broadcast throughout the whole town. Remember the decibel level reservation.

There is nothing wrong with demanding some modification of traditions to take into account the fact that not all of the town is muslim. But that doesn't mean they can't do it in some form.

dlw

[Tfbandie]

Isn't only a call to prayer that's being broadcast not the actual prayer? If that's the case than I could see it's likening to church bells. If it's the actual prayer than i believe that's a no-no